PHILADELPHIA, PA — Food and beverage employees at The Fillmore Philadelphia have made history by voting overwhelmingly to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local B-29. In a decisive victory, 90% of workers supported the union in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election, they will become the first foodservice crew to join the Philadelphia-based local. The group joins their stagehand colleagues of Local 8 at the Live Nation-owned and operated venue, who unionized with the IATSE in 2015.
The 90 workers, employed by Wolfgang Puck Catering — a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Compass Group — include bartenders, servers, and cooks. Their organizing efforts began in March 2024 after much worker discontent.
“For far too long, the hardworking staff taking your tickets, making and serving your drinks, and preparing your food have been treated as replaceable and unskilled,” said Adam Burton, Bartender and Organizer. “Today, by joining IATSE Local B-29, we are making it clear that we deserve respect and fair treatment. We look forward to continuing to make each night special while being treated fairly.”
The Fillmore Philadelphia, which opened in 2015, is a dynamic entertainment complex consisting of two venues: a 2,500-capacity main room, The Foundry — a 450-capacity “club within the club” featuring local artists and smaller touring bands. “The IATSE is the union behind entertainment and everyone who works deserves a livable wage, benefits, and protections whether you are on-stage, off-stage, or behind the bar,” said Richard Montgomery B-29 President.
Following the successful unionization election, workers will begin the process of collectively bargaining a contract with management. Key priorities in negotiations will include scheduling, fair wages, job security, and a stronger voice in the workplace.
Front of House and Live Event workers in general are coming together across the country to win essential access to healthcare, retirement benefits, training, robust safety measures, mental health resources, and avenues for professional growth. If you are interested in joining the movement, head to iatse.net/join to contact an organizer.
